The Best Skiing In Scotland

Last Updated 3 February, 2017

One good thing about skiing in Scotland is that the season can sometimes last right up until until Easter, as heavy snowfalls can come as late as February or late March.

The runs here are much shorter than those of the Alps, and the weather is not too reliable, but after a heavy fall of snow, skiing in Scotland is fabulous. When the sun is shining, and the snow is good, skiers can have a magnificent experience with beautiful surroundings, and you can enjoy some great hospitality too.

Scotland has five superb ski centres: The Nevis Range, Glencoe, Glenshee, The Lecht and Cairngorm Mountain. They are all great places to visit for skiing in Scotland, and the snow is kept in great condition. The Nevis range has the highest skiing in Scotland with a variety of testing slopes and modern facilities. This would be the ideal location, providing rewarding runs for all, regardless if you’re a beginner or an expert.

With all of the Scottish resorts, the snow and the weather conditions can vary quite a bit, but the best chance of good snow is at Nevis, and many would say the Nevis Range is the best resort in Scotland. Others say Cairngorm is best, with 35 downhill runs, and a height of over 4000ft. The argument rages on, with Glenshee being cited as the most popular, but every skier in Scotland will have their own particular favourite.

The Cairngorm Resort is located in central Scotland, and Glencoe and the Nevis Range are in the west, where there is more chance of a snowfall right up to the end of March.

Cairngorm has the largest snow sport school in Scotland, ideal for anyone wishing to learn or improve their technique, but also suitable for the more expert skier. There is a good variety of nightlife to be found in nearby Aviemore and surrounding villages.

The Aviemore resort, about ten miles from the Cairngorms, is an all-year round leisure and sporting centre, ideal for winter or summer with hotels, log cabins, skating rink, swimming pool, saunas, cinema and shops. Aviemore is an attractive town and on the way up you will pass Loch Laggan. On the west coast is the Glencoe Ski Centre, just one and a half hour’s drive from Glasgow, on the road to Fort William. Recognised as a world speed skiing centre, Glencoe has the UK’s steepest on-piste run.

All of Scotland’s resorts offer relatively cheap skiing, and magnificent landscapes, worth a visit for this alone. Scotland is a popular destination for all outdoor activity holidays, and there is a great variety of accommodation available, including Holiday Cottages. Skiing in Scotland provides a good challenge for winter sport enthusiasts, and they say if you can ski Scotland you can ski anywhere in the world.

See the Scotland Travel Information page for all the information you need for travelling to and within Scotland. Get some helpful advice on passports and visas, currency, weather, holiday extras, useful travel links and more.